Maximinus Thrax, denarius, silver, reign 235–238, struck 235–238

Maximinus Thrax, denarius, silver, reign 235–238, struck 235–238, weight 3.20 g, diameter 20 mm. Obverse: legend IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG with laureate, draped bust right. Reverse: legend VICTORIA AVG with Victory running right, holding wreath in right hand and palm branch in left. Strike: hammered, typically well-centred with complete legends and moderate relief. Toning: light cabinet grey with slight golden highlights on the highest points. References: RIC IV 16; BMCRE 4; RSC 93. The issue belongs to the first coinage of Maximinus Thrax, the initial “soldier-emperor” whose accession marked the start of the Third-Century Crisis. The denarius was produced at Rome before silver content reductions became pronounced later in the century, showing the transitional state of the currency. The Victory reverse type advertises successes against Germanic and Danubian tribes that legitimised his rule after the murder of Severus Alexander. These coins circulated widely among legions and urban populations during a period of heightened military expenditures and political instability.